Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Intellectual Property

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

We advise our clients on a complete range of IP issues.  Whether you are looking to determine the extent of your intellectual property rights, exploit their value or protect their integrity, we have the expertise and commitment to ensure that your business' assets are nurtured and protected.

Our team has considerable experience advising clients on both domestic and international issues. We advise on patents, copyright, databases, designs, trade marks, domain names, trade secrets and confidentiality. We have particular strengths in life science and in luxury and consumer brands, building a formidable reputation and client base within these sectors.

Our work is split into three key areas:

IP strategy

  • global IP protection and enforcement strategies
  • IP audits of a company’s existing IP
  • international freedom to operate
  • brand and design clearance and advising on registration of rights

IP exploitation

  • IP licensing, assignments, collaborations, R&D, technology transfers, joint ventures
  • IP in corporate and finance transactions

IP dispute resolution

  • pre-action advice on whether the use of technology, designs and/or brands infringe third party rights and practical steps to avoid legal proceedings
  • IP litigation in the UK and cross-border litigation, alternative dispute resolution options
  • opposition/revocation proceedings before the trade mark and patent registries
  • domain and company name disputes

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - London (Firms)

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood acts for market-leading brands in financial services, energy, fashion, life sciences and luxury goods. The practice is rated for its powerful trade mark litigation offering and recommended for licence agreements involving all core rights. The team is regularly instructed to assist with the coordination of IP disputes with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions and is acclaimed as a leading destination for anti-counterfeiting and passing-off disputes.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood advised BenevolentAI on a USD594 million collaboration agreement with Merck relating to the use of AI in the discovery of new drugs.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have outstanding legal skills and industry knowledge and advise a very strategic approach. They are particularly well-positioned to handle complex matters.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK
  • They stood out for their attention to detail, commercial acumen and the quality of their research on novel matters. They are always reliable and great at anticipating clients' needs.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK
  • They are very good litigators, very personable and very focused on what the clients need out of the matter. They also have very good long-term, strategic relationships with clients.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK
  • Stephenson Harwood is a force to be reckoned with. They are a stand-out firm in their ability to truly collaborate within their internal teams - this is rare in a law firm.

    Intellectual Property respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Alexandra Pygall
    Band 3Alexandra Pygall

    Alexandra Pygall

    Alexandra Pygall's IP practice has an impressive ambit, taking in commercial agreements and also disputes concerning all core rights and also non-traditional trade marks. She represents a varied client base of household names in industries such as fashion, children's toys, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
  • Band 3Paul Inman
    Band 3Paul Inman

    Paul Inman

    Paul Inman is noted for his expertise in biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical patent litigation and for his advice on global enforcement strategy. He regularly coordinates cross-border litigation actions.
  • Band 3Rob Jacob
    Band 3Rob Jacob

    Rob Jacob

    Rob Jacob is noted for his brands practice. He represents clients in cutting-edge trade mark disputes and advises on portfolio management. His clients are notable brands in the consumer goods, fashion, sports sectors and life sciences.

    • Rob Jacob is a top strategist, level-headed and super-bright. He's a pleasure to work with.

      Intellectual Property respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (3)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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